Save Our Seas 2.0 Act to Stop Ocean Plastics Awaits President's Final Nod

The bill proposes to provide states with a sum of $55 million every year in support of improvement in local management programs, including recycling programs.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Save Our Seas 2.0 Act now awaits final approval by the U.S. president. The bill, aimed at preventing marine debris, was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in October and by the Senate on December 1st, 2020. It seeks to promote use of plastic waste, thereby preventing it from entering oceans.

The bill proposes to provide states with a sum of $55 million every year in support of improvement in local management programs, including recycling programs. In addition, another $10 million per annum will be provided to local governments and nonprofit organizations to support projects and initiatives to spread awareness among consumers. It must be noted that billions of pounds of plastic waste are found entering oceans, causing damage to marine life.

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Several recycling and plastics industry associations have extended support for the legislation. They include SWANA, the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the American Chemistry Council (ACC).

The Save Our Seas 2.0 Act was introduced by Senators Susan Collins and Angus King in June, as an extension to the initial Save Our Seas Act from 2018. It supports innovative research works to repurpose used plastics. Also, it proposes to create a revolving fund in support of domestic recycling infrastructure.